Author: Cargo Insights

New 26% reciprocal tariff by the U.S. sparks fears for Indian agri exports, from shrimp and rice to agrochemicals The U.S. decision to impose a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods has cast a shadow over India’s export-driven agriculture and allied sectors. Key products like shrimp, basmati rice, and agrochemicals face serious competitiveness issues, with ripple effects expected on employment and farm incomes. Shrimp exports, worth $2.4 billion in 2023, are now subject to a combined duty of 34.26%—including existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties—compared to 13.78% for Ecuador and 74.6% for Vietnam. This change drastically reduces India’s edge in the…

DCBA marked its 53rd year with a grand annual dinner and music night, honouring senior members for their contributions. The Delhi Customs Brokers Association (DCBA) commemorated its 53rd year with a grand Annual Dinner and Musical Entertainment evening on March 29, 2025, at Krishna Greens, Bijwasan, New Delhi. The event witnessed a vibrant turnout of over 600 members and their spouses, setting a new record with more than 100 spouses in attendance. Senior members of the association were felicitated by the current Managing Committee for their long-standing service and dedication to the Customs Brokers community. The evening served as a…

IKEA Supply and BLR Logistiks launch India’s first electric heavy-duty truck, completing 100 trips between Mumbai and Pune. In a significant move toward sustainable logistics, IKEA Supply, a unit of Inter IKEA Group, in collaboration with BLR Logistiks, has introduced India’s first electric heavy-duty truck on public roads. The vehicle, which began operations in October 2024, recently marked its 100th successful journey transporting IKEA goods across a 120-kilometre stretch between Mumbai Port, a distribution centre in Pune, and the IKEA store in Mumbai. This initiative is the result of strategic route optimisation and streamlined logistics processes. Previously handled by two…

Ashwini Vaishnaw says PM GatiShakti is transforming infrastructure planning with geospatial technology Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently emphasised the transformative impact of the PM GatiShakti initiative, calling it a game-changer in infrastructure development and planning across India. Speaking at a forum highlighting technology-driven governance, he stated that the platform is significantly reducing time and costs in executing large-scale infrastructure projects. He noted that PM GatiShakti’s integration of geospatial technology has brought unprecedented transparency and coordination among various departments, helping accelerate decision-making processes. The initiative supports data-backed project planning and aims to minimise resource duplication while enhancing the overall efficiency of…

PM Modi launches major infrastructure works in Tamil Nadu, highlights Pamban Bridge and Blue Economy focus Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Among the key highlights was the inauguration of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge— the new Pamban Rail Bridge—linking Rameswaram to the mainland. Built at a cost exceeding ₹700 crore, the 2.08 km bridge features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre lift span that enables large ships to pass underneath while ensuring smooth train operations. The Prime Minister flagged off a…

Delhivery to make Ecom Express its subsidiary in a deal worth up to ₹1,407 crore, pending regulatory nod. Delhivery has announced the acquisition of rival logistics firm Ecom Express for a consideration not exceeding ₹1,407 crore. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, will result in Ecom Express becoming a subsidiary of Delhivery. According to a regulatory filing, Delhivery’s board has approved the execution of a share purchase agreement involving Ecom Express and its shareholders. The acquisition is expected to be completed within six months, although the timeline may be extended with mutual consent. Approval from the…

Welspun One achieves financial closure of ₹2,300 crore for its largest logistics park at JNPA SEZ, Navi Mumbai. Welspun One Logistics Parks has announced the successful financial closure of ₹2,300 crore for its flagship logistics park project located at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai. The funding has been underwritten by the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), ensuring strong financial backing for the large-scale infrastructure initiative. Spread over 55 acres within the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the logistics park is Welspun One’s most ambitious development to date, with a total construction potential exceeding…

Industrial and logistics space leasing hit 160 lakh sq ft in Q1 2025, boosted by strong demand in Tier-I cities. India witnessed a notable 18.5% rise in the leasing of logistics and industrial spaces during the January–March 2025 quarter, reaching 160 lakh square feet across 24 cities, according to data released by real estate advisory firm Savills India. This is a significant increase compared to 135 lakh square feet leased during the same period last year. Tier-I cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai dominated the market, accounting for 79% of the leasing activity. The remaining 21% came from…

India marks National Maritime Day, spotlighting youth, green growth, and the sector’s role in national development. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways celebrated the 62nd National Maritime Day across India with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and youth empowerment. The theme for 2025, “Prosperous Seas – Developed India and Youth for Blue Economy and Green Growth,” highlighted India’s commitment to building a future-ready maritime ecosystem. The central event was held in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He acknowledged the vital role of seafarers in driving trade and national progress and emphasised the government’s efforts to modernise…

Çelebi India partners with SF Airlines for freighter handling at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. Çelebi India has been appointed as the official ground handling partner for SF Airlines at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru. The partnership marks a significant milestone as China’s largest cargo airline expands its footprint in India. Initially, SF Airlines will operate a weekly cargo service between Bengaluru and Ezhou Huahu Airport, with plans to double the frequency starting April 2025. The decision to entrust Çelebi with ground handling responsibilities reflects the company’s proven track record in managing complex cargo operations across India. Çelebi has an established…

Sergio Rodrigues takes charge as Regional CEO for Latin America at ECU Worldwide, aiming to boost growth and expansion. ECU Worldwide has named Sergio Rodrigues as its Regional CEO for Latin America. The appointment marks a strategic move to strengthen operations, drive growth, and deepen customer engagement across the region. Based in Santiago, Chile, Rodrigues will be responsible for spearheading business expansion, launching new offerings, and advancing organic growth initiatives. He will also manage ECU Worldwide’s partnership with Transmares Group and report directly to Ravi Jakhar, Director – Strategy at ECU Worldwide. Rodrigues brings over 30 years of experience in…

Record steel handling at JN Port: NSDT unloads 20,179 MT in one day, surpassing the old record of 17,266 MT. Sets new benchmark. The Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal (NSDT) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JN Port) has set a new operational benchmark by unloading a record amount of steel cargo in a single day. The terminal successfully handled an impressive 20,179 metric tonnes (MT) of steel within a 24-hour period. This achievement significantly surpasses the terminal’s previous single-day record of 17,266 MT for steel cargo. The record unload was part of handling a vessel carrying a total parcel size of 21,886…